My Heroes – Martin Luther King, Jr
Martin Luther King, Jr was a charismatic speaker and a man of action that changed the paradigm of America. As long as he only advocated the rights of his own people he was no threat. Once he started advocating the end of the Viet Nam War and advocated for all economically oppressed people regardless of race, he became a problem.
I don’t belong to any of the conspiracy theory groups but I do find it strange that when people have power to change America, when they have the power to create such a paradigm shift, they are assassinated.
Martin Luther King is a hero of mine as well. I feel very lucky to have lived during the life and times of this great man.
It is true also that our era has seen the horror of notable assasinations of men who walked among giants for their high moral principles and their willingness to not only see injustices—but to have the character and conviction to speak out at their own peril.
I immediately thought of Dion Dimucci’s (Dick Holler lyrics) song Abraham, Martin and John (and Bobby), a tribute to Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, John F Kennedy and Bobby Kennedy—all great men assasinated for standing up against injustice in this nation…
I hope you don’t mind me posting this tribute:
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Great blog as always, John. 😐
I don’t buy into the lone nutcase theory, not when I saw that pattern of Liberal leaders getting assassinated. So I’ve figured Edgar Hoover, or George Bush SR as being behind it
Now imagine where we would be now, if Martin Luther King had gone on to become President, and he would have, given more time…
I am not sure how to respond. I have always admired MLK, Jr. The book Parting the Waters is very interesting. My Library did not have any Civil Rights books when I arrived here in this town. I donated Parting the Waters and several other Civil Rights books, “Let Freedom Ring”, and Malcolm X’s “By any means necessary”… THe Malcom X book didn’t make the shelves but the others did.
I have rode the buses for voter registration drives. I have heckled at Klan Rallies. I lost a good friend to the movement.
I think I am more of a Malcolm X guy.
I also think we should be a separate party. The Democrats should not so casually expect the Rainbow/progressive vote.
Yeah, I won’t be assissinated. Too much of a nobody for that. Some things we will simlpy never know for sure.
Mr. King had a dream and after his death it was up to the rest of us to fulfill that dream. Sadly, for us all, we are sorely lacking. Good choice John.